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1. What is massage therapy?
2. What is bodywork?
3. What are the benefits of massage therapy
and related
modalities?
4. Which technique is right for me? Swedish?
Deep/Myofascial?
Sports? and more...
5. Are there any medical conditions or contraindications
that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
6. How do I find a good massage therapist?
7. Is massage painful?
8. How do I prepare for a session?
9. What happens during a session?
10. What should I do during the massage or
bodywork session?
11. How will I feel after a session?
12. How long will the session last?
13. Do I remove my clothing?
14. Will the practitioner be present when
I disrobe?
15. Will oil or lotion be used?
16. What parts of my body will be massaged?
17. Will I be covered during the session?
18. What about hygiene?
19. What if I want more or less pressure?
20. Can I have the therapist work on just
one area?
21. Am I expected to tip?
22. I'm pregnant. Can I still get a table/chair
massage?
23. What is a chair massage?
24. What can I expect in a 15, 20 or 30 minute
chair massage?
25. What about residential in-home visits?
1. WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
It is difficult to capture the definition and benefits of massage therapy
in one definition. Each definition is often linked to the type of treatment
you are receiving (see techniques).
Massage therapy incorporates any number of hands-on treatments of applied
pressure to the skin, muscle and/or joints with the goal to release
tension, pain, muscle stiffness, spasms, or cramps and to relieve anxiety
and tension or stored energy from the body.
There are many different types of massage. Massage is often generalized
to its origin (Eastern and Western). Some of the most common Eastern
types are: Shiatsu, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Polarity. Eastern types
of massages involve an understanding of the body's energy.
Popular Western modalities are: Swedish, Neuromuscular and Myofascial
Release massage therapy. Western types are based in an anatomical understanding
of our body, that is where the muscles are located in the body.
There are several other types of bodywork, here is a sampling: Acupressure,
Acupuncture, Alexander Technique, CranioSacral, Feldenkrais, Metamorphosis,
OneBrain, Reiki, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Trager...just to name
a few!
Each person responds differently to massage and there isn't just one
style which is best for all.
Basic massage techniques include stroking, kneading, and rubbing. These
techniques stimulate physical and emotional healing.
2. WHAT IS BODYWORK?
Bodywork is a general term encompassing both traditional massage methods
and any other form of working with the body. These bodywork methods,
also called modalities, are used in a preventative capacity for prolonged
periods of wellness and to bring about healing for those who are in
varying states of injury or dis-ease.
Bodywork modalities share the common goals of relaxation, cessation
of pain, improved function and mobility, a heightened sense of well-being,
and increased body awareness.
Most bodywork modalities involve touch. In some forms of energetic
healing, this is all that is done. In other bodywork forms, the therapist
will deeply manipulate soft tissues, assist you with stretching or range
of motion exercises, or merely offer support. In other instances, such
as Yoga sessions, the bodyworker is present primarily as teacher or
coach.
Bodywork can be very beneficial to many people, but it is not a substitute
for supervised medical care where needed. Practicing bodywork does not
endow a person with the knowledge nor legal capacity to diagnose an
illness or to prescribe treatment or medication other than what is within
their scope of practice.
3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY AND RELATED MODALITIES?
These few short sentences state benefits if massage without getting
too scientific:
- Massage stimulates the brain to reduces pain, fatigue, depression
and improves sleep.
- Massage is the oldest form of healing: the Chinese, Egyptians and
Romans practiced various forms of it.
- Massage has been shown to reduce asthma attacks in children suffering
from asthma.
- Mothers massaged before, during and after labor experience, back
pain relief, less agitation, faster delivery, and less postpartum
depression.
- More and more major corporations provide massage therapy as an employment
benefit.
Hippocrates, the 5th century BC Greek physician, advised that healers
should be experienced, "in rubbingÈfor rubbing can bind a joint that
is loose, and loosen a joint that is too ridged." That is increased
flexibility and range of motion.
Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care used
to provide a variety of benefits including to ease pain and anxiety
and promote good health.
Gentle massage affects the nervous system through nerve endings in
the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural
'feel good' chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being,
to relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol
and noradrenalin. It helps reverse the damaging effects of stress by
slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood
pressure.
Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply
of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system
to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and
stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.
Receiving natural therapies are perfect for maintaining health. A massage
as little as once a month will dramatically decrease your chance of
illness or injury. Receiving bodywork on a regular basis promotes circulation,
boosts the immune system, and promotes proper posture which all contribute
to general health and the ability to fight disease. By acting to create
self-awareness and relieve common aches, bodywork allows a person to
be more aware in each moment with higher concentration. And perhaps
most importantly, bodywork reduces stress, thus reducing the incidence
of stress-related illness and injury, one of the most significant contributors
to time off work and lost wages.
For more information about the proven scientific benefits of massage
and the great strides massage has made and is still making visit the
Touch Research Institute's website www.miami.edu/touch-research.
4. WHICH TECHNIQUE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
There are many terms for types of massage. Your massage therapist will
discuss with you which massage modality will give you the results you
are looking for.
While there are many types of bodywork, no one modality will work for
all people. Any one therapy, when applied to the same person may work
at times and not at others. Each person and situation is highly individualized.
Here you will find a brief description of the different bodywork modalities
available through TaoMassage to help you to determine what type of treatment
might best suite your needs. Learning about your body by receiving bodywork
can be a tremendously fun exploration.
The following is a brief explanation of modalities offered by TaoMassage.
Swedish massage
Probably the most well-known and most widely used treatment in massage
therapy is the Swedish massage. Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing
yet invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation,
while promoting health and well being. The main purpose of Swedish massage
is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from
the muscles, i.e. RELAXATION!
During a this treatment you can expect to have the following body parts
addressed while the therapist uses a variety of techniques: Face, Scalp,
Ears, Neck & Upper Chest, Chest (for men only), Arms, Hands, Abdomen,
Legs, Feet Gluteals and Back.
If you have ever gotten a massage or are about to receive your first
treatment, it was or will probably be a Swedish massage. Developed in
the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Pir Henrik Ling, the term "Swedish
Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to
relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and
bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning
to the heart.
Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing
the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It
increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the
ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage
also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves
at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and
is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has
many specific medical uses.
Techniques you can expect during a Swedish treatment include: long
strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage,
and shaking motions. The usual sequence of techniques are:
1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or
fingers
4. Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
6. Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar TherapyTM
Using a series of gliding strokes and pressure of the therapist's feet,÷
a "push, pull, pumping" effect is created on the intervertebral disc
space. This deep compression on the soft tissue around the joints allows
the nucleus pulposus (inside the disc) to assume its central position
within the annular fibers and relieve irritations on the spinal nerve
caused by inflammation and swelling. This technique is performed with
smooth, flowing, gliding deep foot pressure.÷ Mobilization above and
below the joints naturally takes place due to the deep compression to
surrounding muscle.
Deep tissue massage (Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy)
For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain. These
techniques help loosen muscle tissues or "unstick" the fibers of a muscle
while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, release toxins from
muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly while relaxing
and soothing the muscle. Because many toxins are released, it's important
to drink plenty of water after a myofascial session aiding in elimination
of toxins from the body.
It is both corrective and therapeutic. One area of the body will be
addresses as well as contributing muscles to provide therapy to one
general area.
Sports massage
To help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and heal the
body should injury occur. May also be received pre, during and post
sporting events.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage during and after pregnancy can be very beneficial to both the
mother and child (father's too!). During a prenatal massage the goal
is the same in any other session, to relieve discomfort with in certain
areas of the body, with focus on comfort for the mother while on the
massage table. Pregnancy massage is generally given in a side-lying
or semi-reclining position with several props and pillows ensuring the
utmost comfort for the mother.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral is a technique that uses an ultra light touch to sense
the craniosacral rhythm for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal
imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual
dysfunction. The head, abdomen, upper chest and sacrum (low back region)
are some of areas worked with during a session.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a gentle form of therapeutic treatment applied to the
feet and sometimes to the hands. Reflexology was brought to America
in the early 1900's by Chinese immigrants. It evolved around 1913 from
the work of Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat surgeon
in the United States. Reflexology is considered to be a holistic healing
technique that aims to treat the individual as a whole, in order to
induce a state of balance and harmony in body, mind and spirit.
Reflexology is based on the belief that there are reflex areas on the
feet (and hands) corresponding to all the parts of the body including
major organs. It is believed that applying pressure to specific areas
on the feet, hands and ears can affect internal organs and body systems,
and therefore promote good health.
The therapist stimulates and works these organs and systems through
the reflexes areas on the hands and feet, applying pressure to the feet
with thumb and fingers. Pressure is applied to clear out congestion
and restore normal functioning and health.
A reflexology treatment usually lasts between 30-45 minutes.
Reflexology has many benefits. It feels good. It is pleasant and soothing,
and it relaxes the body. Each person responds to a reflexology in a
unique way and on occasions may experience a variety of short term reactions,
for example, extreme relaxation, tiredness, lethargy or tearfulness.
Reflexology is not a 'cure-all'. However, it does help relieve pain
associated with migraine, sinus problems, breathing disorders, digestive
problems, circulatory problems, back problems, tension and stress.
5. ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR CONTRAINDICATIONS THAT
WOULD MAKE MASSAGE OR BODYWORK INADVISABLE?
Yes. That is why it is imperative that before you begin you session,
the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important
that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications
you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised
that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior
to any session. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval
from your doctor.
Medical contraindications include but are not limited to: uncontrolled
hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, fractures, herniated discs, malignancy,
numbness or tingling in any part of the body especially the hands and
feet. Please inform your massage therapist of any acute or ongoing health
conditions before the massage.
6. HOW DO I FIND A GOOD MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Finding a qualified massage therapist is important. Ask your massage
therapist about his or her credentials. And remember, each massage and
bodywork modality requires specialized training. Keep in mind the following
questions:
1) Are you licensed to practice massage (if applicable in your state)
2) Are you a member of the AMTA?
3) Where did you receive your massage therapy training?
4) Are you Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
Word of mouth is always the best referral. Find a friend who has received
massage and ask him/her how the experience was. What did he/she like
or dislike about the therapist or the experience, keeping in mind that
not everybody likes the same kind of massage.
The therapist of TaoMassage adapts to your needs and you will find
your experience most rewarding and fulfilling.
When you've narrowed down your choices for massage therapists give
each one a call and spend some time on the phone asking questions that
you need answered.
7. IS MASSAGE PAINFUL?
Most massage and bodywork is not painful. However depending upon the
reason for your appointment and the type of bodywork you are receiving
there is the possibility that during a session you may or mat not experience
some pain or bruising.
If the massage is addressing back pain, neck pain, or sciatic pain,
there is the possibility that you will experience some discomfort during
the massage, especially on your first visit. The more contracted a muscle
is, the more sensitive it is to touch, therefore creating a level of
pain. However, the client is ultimately at all times in control of the
session and should communicate with the therapist to let them know how
you are feeling. It may take two or five sessions to reach the most
therapeutic depth to relieve pain.
8. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A SESSION?
In brief...make yourself comfortable, that is arrive on time, do not
eat just before a session, use the restroom before a session and remember
to breathe and welcome the process of massage into your session.
For detailed guidelines, read Preparing
for a Session.
9. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SESSION?
In brief the therapist will ask you some questions and you will fill
out a full medical history form. Next, you will be asked to remove your
clothing. The therapist will either leave the room or otherwise provide
privacy while you undress and comfortably situate yourself on the massage
table under a sheet or towel that is provided for draping during the
massage. The massage therapist will tell you what position to lie in
on the table. Expect a peaceful and comfortable environment for the
massage. The massage therapist may play music during the massage.
Before the massage begins, the massage therapist may offer some advice
that will improve the quality of your massage. A common one is to breathe,
especially if a sensitive area is being massaged. The massage therapist
may use oil or lotion, which reduces drag on the skin while performing
the massage strokes. Depending on your needs, the massage therapist
will massage either the entire body or only specific areas that need
attention. After the massage is finished, you will once again be provided
with privacy in order to get dressed. You may ask the massage therapist
any questions you have.
The following are normal responses to
relaxation and may occur during massage. Trust your body to express what it needs to:
need to move or change position, sighing, yawning, change in breathing
stomach gurgling, emotional feelings and/or expression movement of intestinal gas, energy shifts, falling asleep, memories.
An exception to the above description would be a seated massage. In
this case, you sit in a specially designed massage chair. The chair
supports the front of the body, which allows access to most of the body.
You remain clothed and oil or lotion is generally not used. Seated massages
are usually shorter sessions that typically run from 10 to 30 minutes.
Since the chairs are highly portable, seated massages can take place
in a variety of settings, including the workplace.
For a detailed explanation, read What
to expect during a session.
10. WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE SESSION?
The best thing for you to do is concentrate on is your breath. Breathe
deeply and fully to help yourself relax. This helps your muscles to
relax at a deeper level and allows for more effective treatment.
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move
you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting
your arm or initiating a stretch). Many people just close their eyes
and completely relax, while others may talk or during their session.
Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork
in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
11. HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER A SESSION?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term
aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After
an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased
energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last
for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a
massage, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water following
your massage.
It's easy to mistake a sense of relaxation for fatigue. It is our experience
that your body will adjust to what it needs mostÈfor some if is increased
relaxation and other it is invigorationÈafter a few minutes your will
"re-adjust" to the surroundings - massage recipients are more alert
and focused then ever.
12. HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST?
An average therapeutic massage or bodywork session lasts one hour. A
half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session,
such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer
a 60-to-90 minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation
time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas
can assist in the relaxation process.
13. DO I REMOVE MY CLOTHING?
You should take off only as much as you are comfortable removing. A
sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage. The therapist
will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that
modesty is respected at all times. The draping also keeps the person
receiving the massage warm. You should also remove any jewelry or other
articles that might interfere with the massage.
For chair massage the massage recipients remain fully clothed. At most,
you may be asked to remove any jacket or obstructive jewelry during
the massage.
14. WILL THE THERAPIST BE PRESENT WHEN I DISROBE?
The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the
table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
15. WILL OIL OR LOTION BE USED?
A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked
on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used
hydrate the skin and are readily absorbed. Please let the therapist
know if you have a preference for or allergy to any scents or ingredients.
Please feel free to also bring your own oil or lotion. You can ask the
therapist if your product will be suitable for the type of therapy you
will be receiving.
No oils are used in chair massage. Sometimes lotion is applied during
hand massage. Please let your therapist know if you prefer no lotion.
16. WHAT PARTS OF MY BODY WILL BE MASSAGED?
You and the therapist will discuss the desired outcome of your session.
This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical
hour session will cover the entire body including work on your face,
scalp, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck, shoulders, gluteals and back.
You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or
breasts (female).
17. WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE SESSION?
You will be properly draped at all times. Only the area of the body
being worked on will be exposed at one time. The rest of your body will
remain covered in comfort. Here are details and pictures about draping/covering
of specific areas of the body. This will bring you to Services & Rates
for Draping.
18. WHAT ABOUT HYGIENE?
The therapist cleans & disinfects the massage table/chair and headrest
and washes their hands/arms between each massage. Each massage recipient
also receives fresh sheets/towels for every session.
19. WHAT IF I WANT MORE OR LESS PRESSURE?
Just ask! Your therapist is trained to adapt to a wide variety of body
types and sensitivities to pressure. Your therapist will check in with
you during the massage, but never hesitate to let your therapist know
your preference.
20. CAN I HAVE THE THERAPIST WORK ON JUST ONE AREA?
If you'd like the massage therapist to focus on one specific area just
let them know. At the beginning of the massage you will be asked if
you have any specific concerns. Keep in mind that the more time spent
on this specific area, the less time spent on the other areas.
21. AM I EXPECTED TO TIP?
Gratuities are not expected or necessary but are appreciated by your
therapist. If you choose to tip, the average amount is 15-20%, but ranges
from 15-50%.
22. I'M PREGNANT. CAN I STILL GET A MASSAGE?
Massage can be very beneficial for women during pregnancy. However,
be sure to let the massage therapist know you are pregnant in so they
can assure your safety and comfort.
23. WHAT IS A CHAIR MASSAGE?
Chair massage ranges from 10-30 minute massage that focuses on the high
tension areas of the neck, back, shoulders, arms & hands. Chair massage
is often performed on a specially designed portable massage chair. Massage
therapists musts be specially trained in chair massage technique. Chair
massage is especially effective at producing therapeutic results in
a brief period of time by concentrating the massage on the areas of
greatest tension.
24. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CHAIR MASSAGE?
Generally chair massage may last from 10-30 minutes.
During a 10-15 minute session, the therapist will focus on relieving
muscle tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. If you'd like work
on your arms and hands please let the massage therapist know, but keep
in mind that this will mean less time on the other areas.
A 20-minute session, the massage therapist will work on your neck,
shoulders, back, arms & hands. If you'd like more time spent on one
specific area, just let the therapist know.
A 30-minute session allows the massage therapist do in-depth work on
your neck, shoulders, back, arms & hands. Also any specific areas of
concern can be thoroughly addressed.
25. HOW MUCH SPACE IS NEEDED FOR A CHAIR MASSAGE?
Space requirements are minimal - only a small 5' x 6' area is needed
for the therapist to set up their massage chair and have enough room
to move around comfortably.
26. WHAT ABOUT RESIDENTIAL IN-HOME VISITS?
Formerly called "house calls" residential in-home visits are perfect
for relaxing in the comfort and convenience of your own home. A massage
therapy session is ideal in the evening preparing the body for ultimate
relaxation before retiring, or first thing in the morning to jump start
your day.
All questions and answers shown here are applicable to a home visit.
A 10'x7' space is requested to ensure optimal working space for the
therapist and to achieve best results for the session as well as a CD
player in the room/space to play your favorite relaxation music or choose
from the therapists collection.
This is also an opportunity for you, the client, to create a relaxing
space in your home with candles, incense, aromatherapy, music or whatever
your needs are for a fantastic therapeutic session.
Client and therapist will speak at length before therapists scheduled
arrival.
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